Spinal discs are made up of a tough outer surface (annulus fibrosus) and a jelly substance inner core (nucleus pulposus) which act as shock absorbers and cushions throughout the vertebral column.

A spinal disc herniation is a medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the outer, fibrous ring allows the soft jelly central portion to bulge out beyond the damaged outer ring due to spinal injury, overuse, or degenerative changes. This tear in the disc ring may result in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators which may directly cause severe pain, or cause inflammation and pressure on the spinal nerves. Symptoms can manifest in the neck and arm including burning, an electric like feeling and numbness into the hand and fingers. Recent literature supports the use of manual therapy including Chiropractic, soft tissue work, and acupuncture for treatment of disc injuries.